The Art of Decision: Refining & Color with Alli K
Finding Your Creative Confidence
Enneagram 6 wing 7 over here, and if you know, you know 🙃. That constant dance between security and adventure? Yeah, that's my creative process in a nutshell. But let's talk about how that actually shows up in the studio – because this whole journey of refining your work? It's really about learning to trust your creative instincts.
When Decision-Making Meets Creative Flow
Here's a little behind-the-scenes truth: I've got walkie-talkies, portable water purifiers, and an impressively stocked emergency pantry (you know, just in case the apocalypse needs a snack). Classic Six behavior, right? But lately, I've been facing a different kind of preparation – the kind that shows up when you're staring at your work, brush hovering, wondering if your next move is the right one.
The Space Between Thinking and Doing
My chiropractor dropped some wisdom on me recently that hit different – not just about my spine, but about decision-making. That back-and-forth mental ping-pong we play? My therapist calls it "the in-between," that space where anxiety loves to set up shop. But here's what I'm learning: every decision, even the ones that don't work out exactly as planned, gives us data for the next one.
A Conversation with Alli K
Meet Alli K, owner of Alli K Design and a creative force known for her distinctive black and white florals. With ten books to her name, including popular how-to-draw floral guides and children's books, Alli has built her career on sharing the joy of creativity with others. "Just being able to nurture and inspire the next generation," she reflects, "I feel like it is such a privilege and it is so cool that we're able to do that because I didn't have that example growing up."
From Canvas to Career
Alli's journey began with creating custom canvases for friends and family. "When I started Alli K, I started off creating canvases, art pieces that are framed, and I gave those to my friends and family for gifts. And then they are like, 'oh, you make this, I have a birthday.'" What started as what others saw as a hobby transformed into a thriving business, challenging traditional notions of creative careers.
Her path to murals was equally organic. "I got my first studio, painted a mural at that studio, posted on Instagram. Another realtor was like, 'oh, I have a building I'm trying to sell. Would you paint a mural on it?'" She laughs, recalling, "I painted my first mural with a Sharpie. Like, it was not good... That mural is still up, and it is still thriving."
The Joy of Problem-Solving
For Alli, the creative process is deeply rooted in problem-solving and collaboration. "I'm fueled by conversations. And so I need to have these like collaborative, creative conversations," she explains. Whether it's adapting to massive wall spaces or dealing with unexpected technical challenges, she thrives on finding solutions.
"My favorite, absolutely favorite part of the creative process is the problem solving," she shares enthusiastically. "I just crave the problem solving... I will sit in my bed and be like, okay, if I have this problem, how am I going to solve this? This is what I'm going to do."
This approach has served her well in mural work, where challenges are constant. "There are some times where like our ladders can't reach and we can't get a lift... Or there's some moments where like the wall texture isn't working with our paint." These challenges, rather than deterring her, add layers of satisfaction to her work. "If there is a mural that just goes smoothly, I'm like, 'oh, that was boring.'"
Embracing New Seasons
Now, Alli finds herself in a new creative season. "I'm in this season... something is like tugging on my brain, my creative wheels." Her message to herself and other artists is powerful: "There's no failing. There's no messing up. It's learning... You need to invest in that time of creativity."
She's setting her sights on new goals with characteristic determination. "I am going to have an art show. It's not just going to be something I'm just like, 'oh, just messing around.' This is a big goal of mine I've had for years." Her philosophy is simple but profound: "What is for you will find you. But you have to believe in it. You have to speak good vibes."
The Digital Dance
Let's get into the actual process for a minute (because yes, we're going there). Procreate has become my digital playground, and can we talk about the Dry Ink pen? Hear me out – when you start playing with the stroke path, spacing, and jitter (which, let's be honest, I crank up to eleven), magic happens.
I've been switching things up lately, trading black lines for rich browns and exploring new color palettes. And yes, this is giving me slight anxiety, but growth isn't supposed to be comfortable, right?
Why Every Line Matters
Here's what I've learned about refining work: it's like having a conversation with yourself. Each line, each color choice, each adjustment – they're all little decisions that add up to something bigger. And just like my chiropractor said, you can always make a new choice if the first one doesn't feel right.
Your Creative Invitation
This week, I'm challenging you (and myself) to embrace the unfinished. Show me what you're working on – not the polished, ready-for-Instagram version, but the real deal. The messy middle. The work in progress.
Because here's the truth: sometimes the most beautiful part of creativity isn't the finished piece, but the courage it takes to make those decisions along the way.
Share your works in progress with me at hello@melarieodelusi.com or on Instagram @melarieodelusi. Let's celebrate the beauty of the unfinished together.
Episode Highlights
For those diving deeper into our conversation with Alli K:
- 00:00 The Art of Decision-Making
- 15:30 Problem-Solving in Creativity
- 25:45 Transitioning Between Mediums
- 35:20 Building Creative Confidence
- 45:00 Embracing the Process
Remember, every masterpiece was once a work in progress. Trust the process, trust yourself, and keep creating.
Where to Listen & Connect
To connect with Alli and learn more about her work, you can visit her website at www.allikdesign.com. Make sure to follow her on Instagram @allikdesign to stay updated with her latest projects and insights.
Listen to Season One of The Rough Concept Podcast on your favorite platform:
Join our creative community:
Share your creative journey using #TheRoughConcept and tag @theroughconceptpodcast. I can't wait to see what you create!